Rona Laing has been appointed as the new Chair of Fife’s Health and Social Care Partnership Board.

Known as the Integration Joint Board (IJB), Fife’s Health and Social Care Partnership Board is fully responsible for over 5,000 staff and a joint budget of around £470 million, where the focus is to ensure services are coordinated around the citizen so they can live safe and independent lives for as long as possible.

The term of the Chair is incremental, this year extending to two years before moving to a three year cycle, with it rotating between Fife Council and NHS Fife. The current Chair, Cllr Andrew Rodger, who was appointed by Fife Council last year, will step down in October 2016.

NHS Fife chief executive Paul Hawkins welcomed the appointment of what is only the second person to hold the post as Chair for the new organisation.

Mr Hawkins said: “As we begin a new era in the delivery of health and social care, I welcome Rona as Chair of the Integration Joint Board. Rona brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which transcends public services and health and social care. I am delighted to announce her appointment. At the same time, thanks go to the current Chair, Cllr Andrew Rodger in recognition of his contribution and passion for service integration and the difference that can be made by working in partnership.”

Council leader, Cllr David Ross said: “I am delighted to welcome Rona as Chair of the IJB. The creation of the new Partnership is one of the biggest changes seen in health and social work. We face significant challenges in health and social care not only in Fife but across Scotland. Change will take time and there is still much to do. This needs the full involvement of staff and the public as the Partnership moves forward.

“I thank Andrew Rodger for the significant contribution he has made as the first chair of Fife’s IJB. Rona is an excellent choice to step into this important role.”

Commenting on her appointment, Rona said: “Having lived in Fife all my working life I’m hugely excited to take on the role of Chair. I look forward to building on the achievements of Andrew, the Board and those working on the frontline to make positive change happen. I truly believe that shifting the focus to more community based care will help realise people’s aspirations to live long and healthy lives and look forward to playing a part in making this happen.”

Cllr Andrew Rodger added: “Being Chair of the IJB has been a privilege and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Health and social integration is definitely the way forward. Throughout, I have enjoyed going out into the field and meeting with colleagues from across health and social care, listening to them and taking that back in order to inform and shape services now and in the future. I am delighted to welcome Rona as the new Chair.”